Ranking the top 5 worst Conn Smythe Trophy winners in NHL history

3 of 6

Bob Gainey #23 of the Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

4. Bob Gainey (1979)

Bob Gainey is most famous for being tied with Patrice Bergeron for the most Selke Trophy wins (four) in NHL history. He certainly wasn’t known for his offense. In an era defined by offense, Gainey’s career high in points was 47 points and he only scored more than 20 goals in a season four times.

More from Puck Prose

However, in the 1979 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Gainey was smoking hot. He had 16 points in 16 games, which helped the Montreal Canadiens win their fourth straight Stanley Cup. Those 16 points were nearly more than his past three postseasons combined, as he had 18 points from 1976 to 1978. Maybe his hot streak influenced voters.

While Gainey was quite good during the 1979 postseason, three of his teammates stood out as better choices to win the Conn Smythe. First, there’s Guy Lafleur. He had a key goal in the final game of the Stanley Cup Final, scoring a highlight reel goal to tie the game and the Canadiens went on to win in overtime. His 23 points were tied for most in the league.

Secondly, there’s Larry Robinson, who had 15 points in 16 games. Robinson was heavily relied on by the Canadiens to shutdown their opponent’s top lines. And with a +16 plus-minus rating, that’s exactly what he did.

Thirdly, there’s Jacques Lemaire, who tied Lafleur with 23 points. Personally, I think Lafleur should have won. But all of those three players were more deserving than Gainey.

Home/All-Time Lists